House Republicans have been pushing to deposit more of an anticipated surplus into the state’s Rainy Day Fund, but Democrats said another condition of their spending package was a “non-starter.”
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Senate blocks LePage bid to send Riverview’s violent patients to a prison unit
The bill falls one vote short and appears dead for this year.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers reach compromise to ease impact of MaineCare rule changes for mentally ill
A committee votes unanimously to extend the transition period for Section 17 clients to find new providers of day services.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage swears in Biddeford senator caught up in larger political tussle
Sen. Susan Deschambault takes the oath of office in the governor’s office four days after the governor canceled her swearing-in over an unrelated dispute with Democrats.
Posted inPolitics
Bill to switch Maine to presidential primaries moves forward
A legislative committee votes 12-0 to endorse a bill that would begin the process of switching Maine from a caucus state to a primary state.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage refuses to swear in senator-elect over nomination spat with Democrats
The governor cancels Susan Deschambault’s scheduled swearing-in ceremony Friday morning in response to Democrats’ stance against one of his nominees.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House to Obama: No national monument in North Woods
The 77-71 vote sends a message but can’t stop the presidential designation, which supporters hope will lead to a national park.
Posted inNews, Politics
Maine bill to waive college tuition for National Guard members stalls
Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on a funding mechanism for the proposal to help soldiers attend UMaine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Democratic lawmakers want to spend $24 million of surplus on programs
Their proposal comes as lawmakers begin debating whether to save or spend excess money.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Bills to toughen drug penalties advance in Maine Senate
While supporters contend the measures were needed to send a strong message, critics predicted both bills could end up saddling some addicts with a ‘convicted felon’ label for life.